His Excellency Qadhi Al Murooshid, Director General of DHA emphasises the importance of exercise and wellness in the Emirates

A number of delegates representing top-tier organisations from the UAE will be attending the 20th Wellness Congress – the annual international conference focusing on health and wellness as a foundation for sustainable socio-economic development – which will take place on September 29th, 2012 in Cesena, Italy.

This year’s Wellness Congress, hosted by Technogym – the premier global provider of comprehensive fitness solutions – and titled “Let’s Move for a Better World”, will discuss the worldwide rise of obesity, and Non-Communicable Diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease as well as solutions being implemented in various markets.

The event will feature a panel of medical, fitness and technology experts from around the world as speakers, including Michael Pratt, Senior Advisor for the Global Health National Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention (USA), Lee Chee Pheng, President of The National Association for Fitness Instructors, and Ertharin Cousin, Executive Director of the World Food Programme. The keynote speech will be given by former US President, Bill Clinton, who has established a Foundation dedicated to the fight against childhood obesity.

Notable UAE delegates attending the congress will include representatives from Abu Dhabi Education Council, American University of Sharjah, Mubadala HealthCare and Lifeline Group, as well as His Excellency Qadhi Al Murooshid, Director General of Dubai Health Authority, who commented on the importance of getting the local population moving.

“We are very aware that, in line with NCDs fast becoming a global epidemic, the rate of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity are also on the rise here in the UAE,” he said, “It is integral to the overall health and wellbeing of our country, that residents become more aware of the benefits of exercise and movement as tools for the treatment for these conditions.”

Al Murooshid continued, “Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, we are currently working on three core projects to tackle these issues locally and help facilitate the rehabilitation of UAE residents.”

“We see this visit to the Wellness Congress not only as a knowledge-sharing opportunity, but also the chance to experience first-hand, the equipment and solutions being put forward by Technogym, in order to ensure that patients have access to the highest standard of care.”

Dr. Mohammed Al Swaini, Acting Director at the Dubai Rehabilitation Centre commented, “The human body was created to constantly move and remain active but instead many of us have adopted a sedentary lifestyle which has resulted in the growing number of chronic diseases such as multiple joint disease, neurological conditions such as strokes and high levels of stress.”

“Attending conferences such as the Technogym Wellness Congress will allow us to stay abreast of the latest trends in sports, wellness and rehabilitation and find innovative ways of raising awareness amongst members of society,” he concluded.